From April 9 to May 3, 2025, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is hosting Threads of Heritage, an exhibition dedicated to traditional Emirati women’s fashion—bridging history, poetry, and intergenerational transmission.
Inaugurated on April 9 at the heart of the SUAD Atrium, Threads of Heritage is part of the UAE’s official Year of Community for 2025. This cultural initiative—developed in collaboration with the National Library and Archives, Dubai Culture, and the Observatoire des Patrimoines—offers a rare glimpse into the rich textile traditions of Emirati women across centuries.
A chronological narrative woven with history
Organized as a chronological journey, the exhibition traces the evolution of Emirati women’s fashion from antiquity to the modern era. Embroidered dresses, thobes, kanduras, and antique jewellery reflect the craftsmanship of Gulf artisans and the symbolic power of clothing in shaping cultural identity.
Through the various displays, visitors witness how patterns, materials, and styles have evolved in response to the region’s social and political transformations.
One of the exhibition’s highlights lies in its multidisciplinary approach: archaeological finds are presented alongside diplomatic archives and literary works, offering fresh perspectives on historical dress practices.
The jewellery on display—delicately crafted and adorned with turquoise or coral—showcases an ancestral know-how passed down through generations. A curated selection of poems and classical texts celebrates the beauty of women’s clothing, reaffirming its place in the cultural imagination.
A living, participatory exhibition
Beyond observation, the exhibition becomes a space for dialogue and learning. Guided tours are led by Sorbonne Abu Dhabi students and professors, creating a dynamic link between academic research and living heritage.
The opening ceremony brought together scholars, artists, institutional representatives, and the wider public—all united by a shared purpose: to honour and transmit a cultural memory undergoing renewal.
The exhibition is open to the public until May 3, 2025, in the Atrium of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. Don’t miss it!
